U.S. patent application number 12/356186 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-22 for locomotive assistant.
Invention is credited to Todd Goodermuth, Jared Cooper Klineman.
Application Number | 20100185472 12/356186 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42337657 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100185472 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goodermuth; Todd ; et
al. |
July 22, 2010 |
Locomotive Assistant
Abstract
There is provided a system for managing information comprising a
network, a hand-held mobile device, and a central server computer.
The network is established between the central server computer and
the hand-held mobile device to communicate computer readable
information between the central server computer and the hand-held
mobile device. In an embodiment, the computer-readable information
is human interface information related to operation of a train.
Inventors: |
Goodermuth; Todd; (Satellite
Beach, FL) ; Klineman; Jared Cooper; (Palm Bay,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEUSSE WOLTER SANKS MORA & MAIRE, P.A.
390 NORTH ORANGE AVENUE, SUITE 2500
ORLANDO
FL
32801
US
|
Family ID: |
42337657 |
Appl. No.: |
12/356186 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/7.11 ;
709/203; 710/303; 715/224; 715/708; 715/772 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/10 20130101;
G06Q 50/30 20130101; G06Q 10/063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/7 ; 709/203;
715/224; 715/772; 715/708; 710/303 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00; G06F 15/16 20060101 G06F015/16; G06F 17/00 20060101
G06F017/00; G06Q 50/00 20060101 G06Q050/00; G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048; G06F 17/30 20060101 G06F017/30 |
Claims
1. A system for managing information comprising: a network; a
hand-held mobile device; and a central server computer; wherein the
network is established between the central server computer and the
hand-held mobile device to communicate computer readable
information between the central server computer and the hand-held
mobile device; and wherein the computer-readable information is
human interface information related to operation of a train.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable information
comprises a user-fillable form to be completed by a user on the
hand-held mobile device.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the user-fillable form is at
least one of an inspection report, a track restriction, a track
authority, a signal report, or a failure report.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable information
comprises at least one of reference materials related to operation
of the train or a time table comprising information for scheduling
operation of the train.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable information
comprises at least one of a wheel report comprising real-time or
near real-time inventory information for the train or a switch list
comprising information for regulating switching activities.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a wired or wireless
network access point for the mobile device configured to
synchronize the computer-readable information between the central
server computer and the hand-held mobile device.
7. A method for managing information comprising: transmitting
computer-readable information from a central server computer to a
hand-held mobile device over a network, wherein the
computer-readable information is human interface information
related to operation of a train; and displaying the
computer-readable information on a display of the hand-held mobile
device.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the computer-readable information
comprises a user-fillable document, and wherein the method further
comprises: transmitting the user-fillable document to be completed
by a user on the hand-held mobile device; at the central server
computer, receiving a completed version of the user-fillable
document from the hand-held mobile device; and storing the
completed version of the user-fillable document in a data storage
medium.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the user-fillable document is at
least one of an inspection report, a track restriction, a track
authority, or a failure report.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the computer-readable
information comprises a plurality of computer-readable documents
defining a train operations kit, and wherein the method comprises
compiling the plurality of computer-readable documents into the
train operations kit at the central server computer.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein the computer-readable
information comprises at least one of reference materials related
to operation of the train or a time table comprising information
for scheduling operation of the train.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the reference materials
comprise one or more of a manual, a rulebook, an authority, or a
track restriction for operating the train.
13. The method of claim 7, wherein the computer-readable
information comprises at least one of a wheel report comprising
real-time or near real-time inventory information for the train or
a switch list comprising information for regulating switching
activities.
14. The method of claim 7, further comprising transmitting the
computer-readable information to the hand-held mobile device based
upon a detection of wireless connectivity with the central server
computer.
15. The method of claim 7, further comprising synchronizing the
computer-readable information between the central server computer
and the hand-held mobile device via at least one of a docking
station for the hand-held mobile device, a wired network access
point for the hand-held mobile device, or a wireless network access
point for the hand-held mobile device.
16. The method of claim 7, wherein the train comprises a global
positioning system in communication with the central server
computer and/or the hand-held mobile device, and wherein the method
further comprises transmitting the computer-readable information to
the hand-held mobile device based upon a position of the train as
determined by the global positioning system.
17. The method of claim 7, wherein the central server computer
further comprises safety interlocking logic to be executed by the
central server computer, wherein the computer readable information
comprises data representing limits of movement authority and speed
limits for the train, and wherein the safety interlocking logic
transmits the data representing limits of movement authority and
speed limits to the hand-held mobile device.
18. A method for managing information comprising: transmitting a
user-fillable document used for operating a train from a central
server computer to a hand-held mobile device over a network;
receiving a completed version of the user-fillable document at the
central server computer transmitted from the hand-held mobile
device over the network; and storing the completed version of the
user-fillable document on at least one of the central server
computer and/or a portable memory device.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising storing a plurality
of completed user-fillable documents into a single database.
20. A method for managing information comprising: compiling a
plurality of computer-readable documents used for operating a train
to form a train operations kit at a central server computer;
transmitting one or more of the plurality of computer-readable
documents of the train operations kit from the central server
computer to a hand-held mobile device over a network; and
displaying the one or more computer-readable documents on a display
of the hand-held mobile device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system and
method for the management of computer-readable information related
to the operation of a train.
[0002] The daily operation of a train is known to require a
significant amount of paperwork. From the time a crew arrives at a
rail yard to operate a train to the time the crew traverses a
railway to arrive at its destination, the crew typically
accumulates and necessarily refers to a multitude of paper
documents. Further, many of these documents require a member of the
crew to fill in information, as well as sign the document. In
addition, many of these documents, e.g., inspection reports, must
be assembled and turned in periodically to a central administrative
office for review and archiving of the documents. The
administrative office may be at the same location as the crew or
may be at an additional remote location. Not only is the amount of
paperwork cumbersome and prone to error, but the documents provided
to the crew necessarily lack real-time information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a system for managing information. The system
comprises a network, a hand-held mobile device, and a central
server computer. The network is established between the central
server computer and the hand-held mobile device to communicate
computer readable information between the central server computer
and the hand-held mobile device. In the system, the
computer-readable information is used for operating a train, or is
otherwise related to operation of a train. (As used herein, "train"
refers to one or more rail vehicles, where at least one of the rail
vehicles is a locomotive. If the train includes plural rail
vehicles, the rail vehicles are interconnected for coordinated
motoring.) In an embodiment, the computer-readable information is
human interface information, by which it is meant information
communicated to a human, in text and/or picture form, which the
human reads from the hand-held mobile device and uses for some
purpose in operating the train independent of the hand-held mobile
device, and/or which informs the human of a type of data that the
human is requested to collect (e.g., the data is used for and/or
relates to operation of the train) and enter into the hand-held
mobile device for communication back to the central server.
[0004] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for managing information comprising
transmitting computer-readable information from a central server
computer to a hand-held mobile device over a network and displaying
the computer-readable information on a display of the hand-held
mobile device. The computer-readable information is human interface
information related to operation of a train.
[0005] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method for managing information. The
method comprises transmitting a user-fillable document used for
operating a train from a central server computer to a hand-held
mobile device over a network. In addition, the method comprises
receiving a completed version of the user-fillable document at the
central server computer transmitted from the hand-held mobile
device over the network. Further, the method comprises storing the
completed version of the user-fillable document on at least one of
the central server computer and/or a portable memory device.
[0006] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method for managing information. The
method comprises compiling a plurality of computer-readable
documents used for operating a train to form a train operations kit
at a central server computer. In addition, the method comprises
transmitting one or more of the plurality of computer-readable
documents of the train operations kit from the central server
computer to a hand-held mobile device over a network. Further, the
method comprises displaying the one or more computer-readable
documents on a display of the hand-held mobile device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A more particular description of the embodiments of the
invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to
specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical
embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be
considered to be limiting of its scope, the embodiments of the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of a system for managing information related to
operation of a train in accordance with an aspect of the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a central server computer in
accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is another schematic illustration of a system for
managing information related to the operation of a train in a rail
yard environment according to the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a selectable menu on a display
of a hand-held mobile device in accordance with an aspect of the
present invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hand-held mobile device
disposed within a docking station in accordance with an aspect of
the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a system for providing
information in the form of a computer-readable train operations kit
according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of another system for
managing information related to the operation of a train in a rail
yard environment according to another aspect of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a flow chart depicting a method for managing
information used related to operation of a train in accordance with
an aspect of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting a method for managing
information related to operation of a train in accordance with
another aspect of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 10 is a flow chart depicting a method for managing
information related to the operation of a train in accordance with
yet another aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In describing particular features of different embodiments
of the present invention, number references will be utilized in
relation to the figures accompanying the specification. Similar or
identical number references in different figures may be utilized to
indicate similar or identical components among different
embodiments of the present invention.
[0019] The present invention is directed to a system and method for
the management of information related to the operation of a train
in a rail yard, along a railway, or at any other location. In
particular, aspects of the present invention digitize the daily
operations of a train in a rail yard or along the railway, for
example, thereby eliminating the need for cumbersome,
time-consuming, and expensive paper-based processes on-board the
train. Aspects of the present invention also reduce the cost of
maintaining proper locomotive and train records; reduce the cost of
raw materials, e.g., paper and print/copy/fax equipment; reduce the
recording of inaccurate data, e.g., misnumberings and misspellings;
and may save train crews substantial time in their pre-departure
and arrival duties.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a paperless
documentation management system 10 is shown as including one or
more hand-held mobile devices 12 in communication with a central
server computer 14 over a network 16. By "hand-held mobile device,"
it is meant a hand-held, mobile computerized device having a
processor that may be used for the access, addition, display,
compilation, computation, receipt, selection, transmittal, viewing,
and/or storage of information, or any other information management
function. Though one or more hand-held mobile devices are
contemplated, the singular phrase "device 12" will be shown and
described for convenience. In an embodiment, the device 12 may be
any Microsoft Windows.RTM.-based device or a Palm OS-based
hand-held device. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the
device 12 may be carried by an operator 32, for example, while
aboard a train 36, at the rail yard, or the like. In another
embodiment, the device 12 may be in the form of a vehicle-installed
mobile computer device that is optionally removably installed or
that is in communication with a standard display unit of a
locomotive cab of the train 36.
[0021] The device 12 optionally comprises a display 18 and any
suitable structure for inputting information into the device 12,
such as a keyboard 20 as shown, a touchpad on the display 18, a
hand-held implement (stylus), or the like. The device 12 may
further comprise any suitable component known in the art for
enabling the device 12 to communicate with the central server
computer 14 via the network 16, including but not limited to a
modem, a network interface, or the like. By communicating with the
central server computer 14, the device 12 may transmit and receive
information 25 from the central server computer 14 as shown in FIG.
1 in real-time or near real-time. Optionally, the information 25
may be transmitted between the device 12 and the central server
computer 14 in an encrypted format for improved security of the
information.
[0022] The central server computer 14 typically includes a
processor 15 and a memory 17, and may operate in response to one or
more software programs stored thereon or on a storage medium
accessible by the central server computer 14. The software programs
may include, but are not limited to, programs capable of the
display, compilation, computation, receipt, selection, transmittal,
and/or viewing of computer-readable information (information 25)
related to the operation of a train.
[0023] As used herein, the information 25 may be defined as any
data in any computer-readable form that is transferred between the
central server computer 14 and the device 12. By "related to
operation of a train" or "related to the operation of a train," it
is meant that the information 25 is used for some purpose in
operating the train independent of the hand-held mobile device 12,
and/or which informs the operator 32 (human) of a type of data that
the human is requested to collect (e.g., the data relates to
operation of the train) and enter into the hand-held mobile device
for communication back to the central server. In an embodiment, the
computer-readable information is human interface information, by
which it is meant information communicated to a human, in text
and/or picture form, which the human reads from the mobile device
and which relates to the operation of a train. In one embodiment,
the computer-readable information is required or suggested by a
Federal regulatory authority, e.g., the Federal Railroad Agency
(FRA) or any other agency, to be carried by a member of a crew,
e.g., train crew, or is any other information that is required for
or aids in the daily operation of a train, such as the inventory of
the train, the scheduling of planned activities for the train, or
the movement of the train between two destinations. Also, by
"related to operation of a train" or "related to the operation of a
train," it is meant that the information 25 is either presently in
use, was used previously, or may be used in the future for any
activity related to the operation of a train.
[0024] The network 16 established between the central server
computer 14 and device 12 to communicate computer readable
information (information 25) between the central server computer 14
and the device 12 may be any type of known wireless network
including a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), a
global network (e.g., Internet), an intranet, an extranet, or the
like. In one embodiment, the network 16 is a wireless local area
network (WLAN) as shown in FIG. 1. As an example, the WAN may be
based on an 802.11 specification, otherwise known as "Wi-Fi" due to
the fact that an organization called Wi-Fi Alliance provides
certification for products that conform to 802.11.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the central server computer 14 may
include or is otherwise in communication with one or more
databases, e.g., database 22, by any suitable connection known in
the art. FIG. 1 depicts the database 22 as a peripheral device, but
it is understood that the database 22 may be stored in a memory of
the central server computer 14 or on a portable memory device. In
an embodiment, the database 22 comprises a variety of information,
reference materials, or data related to the operation of a train,
including but not limited to manuals, rulebooks, authority forms,
inspection forms, track authorities, track restrictions, time
tables, wheel reports, switch lists, and the like. Changes to each
of the databases may be made dynamically, in real-time or near
real-time, to update information contained in the databases as set
forth below. The central server computer 14 is thus able to receive
and access real-time data or near real-time information from the
databases as needed to compile forms related to operation of a
train as set forth below.
[0026] The information 25 related to the operation of a train and
transmitted to the device 12 may be stored in databases, e.g.,
database 22, in the form of a suitable standardized data file
(e.g., comma delimited files, XML files, PDF files, and the like.)
In an embodiment, the information 25 comprises a plurality of XML
files, which allows the information to be easily transmitted over
the network 16 as set forth herein. Optionally, the central server
computer 14 may also include a firewall to prevent unauthorized
access to the central server computer 14 and enforce any
limitations on authorized access. The firewall may be implemented
using conventional hardware and/or software as is known in the
art.
[0027] In a particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the database
22 associated with the central server computer 14 comprises a
plurality of databases, each comprising a type of information
related to the operation of a train as will be set forth below. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the database associated with the
central server computer 14 comprises a rules database 24, a forms
database 26, and an operations database 28, each of which may be in
communication with one another and with an operations module 30.
The use of the illustrated databases is understood to be exemplary
and the databases may be structured differently depending on the
organizational desires and needs of the user. Below, the use of
each of the databases 24, 26, and 28 and operations module 30 is
described with respect to an aspect of the operation of a train. It
is understood that the system 10 may be used in any one or more of
the environments set forth herein, such as in a rail yard or along
a railway, or alternatively in any other environment where a train
may be operated.
[0028] In an embodiment, the central server computer includes a
module, e.g., operations module 30, which comprises software for
the communication with the databases 24, 26, 28 to assemble one or
more computer-readable documents related to the operation of a
train. Specifically, operations module 30 may retrieve, store,
organize, and/or compile data contained within any of the databases
24, 26, 28 to generate computer-readable forms or to retrieve
already generated-forms in the database. In this way, the central
server computer 14 may generate real-time or near real-time
documents by retrieving information from the databases as described
in further detail below. Optionally, a middleware client for the
central server computer 14 may also be provided to manage
communications between the central server computer 14, the
databases 24, 26, 28 and the device 12. The information 25 may be
transmitted from the central server computer 14 to the device 12
automatically or via the operator 32 utilizing the device 12 to
request the information 25 from the central server computer 14. For
example, the information 25 may be transferred to the device 12
based upon a detection of wireless connectivity with the central
server computer 14.
[0029] The use of the above-described system 10 in the operation of
a train will be explained below in chronological fashion to
illustrate the environments and the different types of information
25 contemplated by the present invention. However, it is understood
that the present invention is not so limited to the following
description, the information 25 (e.g., documents) described
therein, or the order in which the information 25 is presented.
First, at the beginning of a shift, it is typical for a train crew
(which typically includes an engineer and a conductor) to arrive at
a rail yard and receive a plurality of hard copy documents for
review and completion. These hard copy documents may include rule
books and rule book updates that set forth guidelines for the safe
and efficient operation of the train, time table updates having
scheduled tasks to be completed at certain times during the day, as
well as train orders, track authorities, and/or track restrictions
that authorize, direct, and/or prohibit a train from traveling in a
particular direction to a particular destination at certain times
during the day. Many of these hard-copy documents are required to
be initialed and/or signed, and carried by a train crew. Any number
of these documents may be lost, soiled, torn, or otherwise damaged.
Aspects of the present invention, however, aim to make paperless
the processes that would otherwise require the assembly, handling,
and completion of such hard-copy documents.
[0030] First, upon arrival of the crew at a rail yard, the crew may
utilize the system 10 to obtain the necessary documents to prepare
for travel of the train, e.g., necessary rule/regulation documents.
To provide the crew with such documents in electronic form in an
embodiment of the present invention, the rules database 24 (shown
in FIG. 2) comprises any computer-readable document that sets forth
guidelines and information for the safe and efficient operation of
the train, such as general bulletins, rule books, and rule book
updates. As shown in FIG. 3, an operator 32 (which may be one or
more of the engineer, a wayside worker, a conductor, or other
individual), may utilize the device 12 in the rail yard 34 to
access, upload, and/or obtain requisite rule books and rule book
updates, for example, from the rules database 24 related to the
operation of a train, e.g., train 36. Specifically, the operator 32
may input a request to the central server computer 14 using the
device 12 to request a particular document from rules database 24.
The central server computer 14 may then recall the requested
document from the rules database 24 and transmit the requested
computer-readable document to the operator 32 over the network
16.
[0031] Alternatively, the central server computer 14 may be
programmed to automatically deliver the information 25 from the
central server computer 14 to the device 12 at a particular time,
such as upon logging onto the device 12 or via GPS tracking, or the
like. In an embodiment, for example, the device 12 may require the
operator 32 to enter a unique identifier such that when the train
36 arrives in the rail yard 34, the operator 32 may input an
identifier, e.g. password, passcode, operator number, train number,
or the like into the device 12 such that the central server
computer 14 transmits the information 25 based on the presence and
location of the operator 32 and/or device 12. In this way, the
system 10 may be utilized to manage, track, and store the working
hours of the operator or crew utilizing the device 12.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, in an embodiment, the device 12 may
include a selectable menu 38 that is provided on the display 18 of
the device 12. The selectable menu 38 may include a plurality of
visible, selectable icons on the display that may be selectable by
touch, an implement, or the like. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
4, the icons comprise time tables 40, rule books 42, wheel reports
44, track bulletins 46, general bulletins 48, forms 50, and other
documents 52. It is understood that any other suitable or preferred
organizational structure may be utilized. In this way, in the
embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 3, the operator 32
may select the rule books 42 icon to further provide a sub-menu of
selectable documents. The central server computer 14 may transmit
the selected document to the device 12 for viewing of the document
immediately and/or the document may be maintained in a temporary or
permanent memory of the device 12 for viewing at a desired time.
The selected document may be viewed using any suitable program
provided on the device 12 for selecting, opening, reading, and/or
closing the files, e.g., any suitable Windows.RTM.-based
program.
[0033] In an embodiment, to synchronize the transfer of
information, e.g., a document from rule books 42, between the
central server computer 14 and the device 12, the system 10 may
further include a docking station 54 as shown in FIG. 5. To
transfer the information 25, including the computer-readable
documents, from the central server computer 14 and the device 12,
the operator may place the device 12 on the docking station 54. In
this way, the information 25 transferred to the device 12 from the
central server computer 14 may be real-time or near real-time
information. For example, a wheel report transmitted from the
central server computer 14 to the device 12 may comprise real-time
inventory information for a particular train. Alternatively, the
device used to synchronize the transfer of the information 25
between the central server computer 14 and the device 12 may be any
other wired network access point or wireless network access point
for the device 12 that is configured to synchronize the transfer of
the information 25 between the central server computer 14 and the
device 12.
[0034] The operations database 28 may include template forms and/or
raw data required for the operations module 30 to compile a
computer-readable document having real-time or near real-time
information, such as a time table or switch list. For example, in
one embodiment, the operator 32 at the rail yard may be provided
with a time table, a switch list, and a wheel report prior to
operation of the train 36. A switch list comprises information for
regulating switching activities and typically includes a plurality
of tasks to be completed at certain times during the subject day.
In addition, a time table sets out information for scheduling the
operation of a train, e.g., a predetermined list of arrival times
and departure times, and destinations from which the train 36 is
scheduled to arrive and depart. A wheel report, on the other hand,
is a listing detailing all train cars and locomotives in a typical
train. In one embodiment, a computer-readable time table may be
compiled by the operations module 30 using raw data located in the
operations database 28 of the central server computer 14.
Thereafter, upon compilation of the time table, switch list, or
wheel report from the operations module 30, the time table, switch
list, or wheel report (information 25) may be transmitted from the
central server computer 14 to the device 12 for review by the
operator 32 as described herein over the network 16. In an
embodiment, the time table, switch list, or wheel report is
transmitted to the device 12 from the central server computer 14
via placing the device 12 on the docking station 54. Once opened,
the time table, switch list, or wheel report may be read by the
operator 32 selecting the time tables 40, wheel reports 44, and/or
other documents 52 icons on the device 12 and viewing the same on
the display 18 of the device 12.
[0035] Once the train leaves the rail yard, the train crew is
further required to routinely manage a plurality of information and
physically have the data on their person. This information may
include inspection/report forms, track authorities, track
restrictions, and the like. Track restrictions authorize and direct
a train to travel in a direction to a destination at certain times
on a particular track. Track authorities are issued granting main
track use between two named points (e.g., milepost sign, station,
and/or any fixed physical point, such as a switch). Similar to the
discussion above regarding the rules database 24, the operator 32
may view desired track information on the display 18 of the device
12 by selecting, for example, the track bulletins icon 46 (shown in
FIG. 2). Thereafter, the operations module 30 of the central server
computer 14 may obtain the requested document from operations
database 28 and transmit the selected document (information 25) to
the device 12 for viewing of the document immediately on the
display 18 and/or the document may be maintained in a temporary or
permanent memory of the device 12. In an embodiment, the requested
information may be transmitted to the device 12 from the central
server computer 14 via placing the device 12 on the docking station
54.
[0036] Further, during travel of the train 36, a number of
documents for the operation of the train 36 may require data to be
entered by the operator 32, including initializing or time-stamping
of the documents. In an embodiment of the present invention, the
system 10 enables information 25, e.g., a user-fillable and
computer-readable form, to be retrieved by the operator, filled
out, and transmitted back to the central server computer 14. To
accomplish this, the forms database 26 may include therein a
template of various user-fillable documents, including any type of
form related to the operation of a train, including without
limitation signal awareness forms, signal reports, pickup/set-out
forms, brake inspection forms, other inspection reports, track
warrants, failure reports, form A & B updates, any other form
requiring the entry of information by the FRA, or the like. It is
understood that the databases described herein, e.g., the forms
database 26, may include one or more databases or may be combined
with any other database as described herein.
[0037] To complete the form, the operator 32 may select the forms
50 icon on the menu of the device 12 as shown by FIG. 4.
Thereafter, the operator 32 may scroll through a sub-menu for the
particular form he/she desires to complete. The central server
computer 14 will obtain the requested document from the forms
database 26 and the operations module 30 will transmit the
requested document to the operator 32. Using an input device
provided for the device 12 (e.g., keyboard 20 or the like), the
operator 32 may input the required information (e.g., signature,
time information, location, or the like) into the selected form as
would be performed manually. The completed form 58 may then be
transmitted from the device 12 to the central server computer 14
over the network 16. At the central server computer 14, one or more
of the completed forms 58 may be stored within a memory of the
central server computer 14, an associated database, or any suitable
data storage medium. The memory may be any suitable magnetic device
(e.g., hard drives, card strips, or the like), optical device
(e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, or the like), memory devices (USB thumb drives,
virtual memory, RAM, etc.), and the like.
[0038] Alternatively, the operator 32 may store the completed forms
58 (or any other information 25) from the device 12 onto a portable
memory device or the like. In this way, the operator 32 may provide
his or her own records for safekeeping and for potential useful
information in the event of a problem or accident. The completed
forms may be stored in an unmodifiable format, such as a PDF
document.
[0039] After travel of the train 36 along a rail way, the train
crew arrives at a destination (e.g., a rail yard), enters the yard
office, and signs in either manually or via the aid of a computer.
The crew also then typically completes a tie-up form at the arrival
yard. In addition, at the destination, the crew may receive
paper-based instructions and/or work orders in order to complete
switching activities at the rail yard if not done so already.
Switching activities include the movement of rail cars from one
track to another in order to deliver and/or pick up particular rail
cars. Further, the crew may be given safety rules and track
bulletins for the particular rail yard as described above. Because
of changes to the switching activities that may take place
throughout the day, the documents provided to the operator 32
previously may include confusing hand-written changes and the
like.
[0040] The present invention instead may provide real-time or near
real-time information for the switching activities of the train 36
at an arrival rail yard by enabling the operator 32 to obtain a
switch list that includes updated real-time information using the
device 12. For example, similar to the discussion above with
respect to a time table, a computer-readable switch list may be
compiled by the operations module 30 using raw data stored in
and/or transmitted to the operations database 28 of the central
server computer 14. Thereafter, upon request, the operations module
30 may transmit the switch list (information 25) from the central
server computer 14 to the device 12 for review by the operator 32.
In one embodiment, the switch list is read by the operator 32
selecting the other documents 52 icon on the device 12 and viewing
the same on the display 18 of the device 12. As described above,
the switch list may be automatically transmitted to the operator
32, at a particular time, based on a location of the operator 32
and/or associated train, e.g., train 36, or via placement of the
device 12 on a docking station 54.
[0041] In addition, after travel of the train 36 along a rail way
and the completion of switching activities, the train crew may
typically provide a tie-up form along with all documents and forms
previously completed and collected during the operation of the
train. This documentation is typically submitted to staff at the
destination facility and is archived at the facility, or is sent
via facsimile or the like to a central office. Instead of
assembling a voluminous amount of paper documents, the central
server computer 14 may be continuously compiling information
associated with a particular train, or a train crew/operator to
provide a single file or single database in a memory of the central
server computer 14. In addition, the central server computer 14 may
transmit any further documents in computer-readable form to be
completed by the operator 32 (if necessary), including but not
limited to a tie-up form, from the central server computer 14 to
the operator 32.
[0042] In an embodiment, all of the documents described above may
be provided collectively as a train operations kit 56 as shown in
FIG. 6. To provide the train operations kit 56, the operations
module 30 may include software or the like for compiling the
necessary documents to be transmitted to the device 12, the
operator 32, and/or the train 36 in the rail yard 34, along a rail
way, or to a wayside worker. It is understood that components of
information in the train operations kit 56 may be transmitted
piecemeal as described above or as a single file to the device 12
upon the start of a shift. Upon the completion of any forms
requiring data entry by the operator 32 and transfer of any
completed forms 58 to the central server computer 14, the
operations module 30 may also compile a completed kit and store the
same in a memory associated with the operations module 30 or the
central server computer 14, or other database, e.g., completed kits
database 60, within the central server computer 14.
[0043] Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in any of the above-described
embodiments, the train 36 may include a global positioning system
(GPS system) 64 in communication with the device 12. At any time,
upon request or automatically, the GPS system 64 may report the
position of the train 36 to the central server computer 14 via the
network 16. The GPS system 64 may be in communication with one or
more of the operator 32, device 12, and/or the train 36 such that
the location of one or more of the operator 32, device 12, and/or
the train 36 is provided to the central server computer 14. In
response, the central server computer 14 may automatically transfer
information that is relevant to a location of the operator 32, the
device 12, and/or the train 36, such as track bulletins pertaining
to a location within a certain vicinity, e.g., 0.5 mile (0.8047
kilometer), of the train.
[0044] In addition, the central server computer 14 may further
include safety interlocking logic to be executed by the processor
15. The safety interlocking logic may use data from all trains, for
example, within a particular vicinity to issue limits of movement
authority (LoMA) and speed limits to each train and to maintain
safe separation distances between particular trains. In an
embodiment, the central server computer 14 may transmit LoMA and
speed limit data to the device 12 such that the operator 32 may
monitor the LoMA and speed limit data against actual train location
and speed of the train 36 to determine potential and actual unsafe
conditions. If the train is approaching the end of its LoMA or
exceeds a predetermined value, for example, the device 12 may warn
the operator 32, who is expected to take appropriate action. In
this way, in this embodiment, the present invention is able to
provide trains not having a positive train control (PTC) system
with a similar type of PTC data and with situational awareness to
take appropriate action. Some of this PTC data may include limits
of authorities and track warnings when approaching speed limits
based on the position of the train, GPS measured speed, and a
database of speed restrictions stored in the central server
computer 14, in any database discussed above, and/or another
database.
[0045] The present invention includes a number of methods for
utilizing the system as described above. In one embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 5, there is provided a method 500 for managing
information comprising step 502 of transmitting computer-readable
information (information 25) from the central server computer 14 to
the hand-held mobile device 12 over the network 16. The
computer-readable information is human interface information
related to operation of the train 36. The method further includes
step 504 displaying the computer-readable information on the
display 18 of the device 12.
[0046] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method 600 for managing information
comprising step 602 of transmitting a user-fillable document
(information 25) used for operating a train, e.g., train 36, from
the central server computer 14 to the hand-held mobile device 12
via the network 16. In addition, the method 600 further comprises
step 604 of receiving a completed version of the user-fillable
document at the central server computer 14 transmitted from the
hand-held device 12. Typically, the user-fillable document is
completed by an operator 32 via the hand-held device 12 to provide
the completed version of the user-fillable document. The method
further comprises step 606 of storing the completed version of the
user-fillable document on at least one of the central server
computer 14 and/or a portable memory device. In addition, the
method 600 may further comprise storing a plurality of the
completed user-fillable documents into a single database on at
least one of the central server computer 14 and/or a portable
memory device.
[0047] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method 700 for managing information.
The method 700 comprises step 702 of compiling a plurality of
computer-readable documents (information 25) used for operating a
train, e.g., train 36, to form a train operations kit 56 at the
central server computer 14. In addition, the method comprises step
704 of transmitting one or more computer-readable documents of the
train operations kit 56 from the central server computer 14 to the
device 12 over the network 16. The method further comprises step
706 of displaying the one or more computer-readable documents on a
display 18 of the device 12. The train operations kit 56 includes
any one or more of the computer-readable documents and/or
information set forth herein.
[0048] Embodiments described above may be implemented on a suitable
computer system, controller, memory, or generally a computer
readable medium. For example, the steps of the methods described
above may correspond to computer instructions, logic, software
code, or other computer modules disposed on the computer readable
medium, e.g., floppy disc, hard drive, ASIC, remote storage,
optical disc, or the like. The computer-implemented methods and/or
computer code may be programmed into any computing device having a
processor, such as a mobile device or a central server computer, or
the like, as described above.
[0049] This written description uses examples to disclose
embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to
enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the
embodiments of the invention. The patentable scope of the
embodiments of the invention is defined by the claims, and may
include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such
other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if
they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal
language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural
elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language
of the claims.
* * * * *